A graphics card is a critical component that allows the laptop to render images, run creative apps, and play games. If you are a graphic designer, video editor, or gamer, you need a powerful GPU.
Even non-gamers need a powerful GPU to handle graphic-intensive tasks easily. However, if you’re thinking about upgrading the graphics card on your laptop, you may wonder if it is possible.
Are laptop GPUs upgradable?
For most laptops, it is impossible to upgrade the graphics card. The laptops have their GPUs integrated into the CPU or mainboard. As such, upgrading or replacing the GPU becomes impossible or difficult.
The graphics cards of gaming laptops cannot be changed either. There are a handful of laptops where the graphic cards could be replaced with another. Upgrading the laptop GPU becomes more important for avid gamers.
A high-end gaming laptop purchased today might not run games at best settings three or four years from now. So, gamers want to know if they can upgrade their laptop graphics card.
This post will answer everything related to upgrading a laptop graphics card. Also, there will be workaround solutions for upgrading laptop GPUs. Read on to find out more.
Are laptop GPUs upgradable? Can you upgrade it for something better?
If you love playing video games on your gaming laptop, thinking about a graphics card upgrade is natural. This becomes a necessity if the laptop is around four to five years old. That’s because the laptop cannot handle the latest games in high graphic settings.
As a result, most people buy a new gaming laptop. This is the only option left, and it is the most convenient as well.
Still, the question remains: Are laptop GPUs upgradable? If you want to improve laptop performance by upgrading the graphics card, you can do it. But not every laptop supports upgrading the graphics card. So, the laptop you have should support GPU upgrading. Sadly, only a handful of laptops will support a graphics card upgrade.
How do you know if your laptop supports upgrading its graphics card?
The easiest way to find out if the graphics card on your laptop supports an upgrade is to check the tech specs. Visit the official website of your laptop brand, search for the model, and look for specifications.
However, the form factor of your laptop may indicate whether or not you can upgrade its components. For example, a thin, lightweight notebook or an ultrabook won’t have the option to upgrade its components. These laptops pack everything into a small space, without any option for replaceable parts.
If your laptop seems bulky, chances are that the graphics card could be replaceable. These laptops will have the necessary space that gives the users the ability to replace certain components. These might include adding a secondary RAM, an SSD or NVMe, or a graphics card. In rare cases, the CPU could be upgradable as well.
Still, it is wise to go through the user manual of your laptop from the official website. It will give you the correct information on whether you can upgrade your laptop graphics card.
Can a laptop with an integrated GPU be upgradable?
There is little chance to upgrade an integrated laptop graphics card. So, what is the reason? Typically, laptops with integrated graphics are not made for professionals or gamers. Laptops with iGPU are designed to handle the most basic tasks.
Hence, there is no chance of upgrading any component in the laptop, including the graphics card. Unfortunately, if you have a laptop with integrated graphics, buying a new laptop is the only option left.
If your laptop comes with a Thunderbolt port, you can use an external graphics card. This will improve your gaming experience. Know more about this alternative in the later part of the post.
Important factors to consider before upgrading laptop graphics card
No wonder, you will feel excited to know that your laptop can have an upgradable GPU. But upgrading a laptop graphics card is not easy. You need to keep certain things in mind. Here is what you need to consider before attempting an upgrade to the graphics card of your laptop.
1. Find out the graphics card slot
If the laptop comes with upgradability features for the GPU, it will have a dedicated slot for the graphics card. Many laptops will have the GPU soldered into the CPU or the mainboard. In that case, upgrading a laptop graphics card is impossible.
Certain laptops, especially workstations and gaming models will have a separate slot for graphics card upgrades. Find the area where it is located. A dedicated graphics card slot allows for potential upgrades.
2. Ensure laptop compatibility
Make sure that the graphics card you want to install on the laptop is compatible with the hardware. Hence, the dimensions, cooling system, and power supply of the laptop should fall in line with the new GPU.
Upgrading a laptop graphics card can result in decreased performance if there is system incompatibility. Sometimes, there is a risk of hardware damage, too.
3. Warranty Concerns
It is important to check the warranty that the laptop carries. It will help you know if upgrading does not void the warranty. You may compromise the warranty coverage when upgrading your laptop graphics card if the manufacturer does not support modifications. If there is a loss of warranty coverage, you will be responsible for the damages caused. Also, you have to take care of the repairs.
How do you make a laptop graphics card upgrade a success?
Even if your laptop supports a graphics card upgrade, proper preparation will make the project a success. To get started with a laptop graphics card upgrade, follow the steps below.
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1. Know the model of your laptop
Find out the model and specifications of your laptop. Visit the official website of the manufacturer and look for the product details. Get to know if there are compatibility issues or risks associated when upgrading specific components. You should have a complete understanding of the internal layout of the laptop to make the process smoother.
2. Make a backup
Before moving on with the upgrade, create a system backup containing all the important files. Upgrading a laptop graphics card involves working with the internal components. So, there is a risk of hardware failure or corruption that could lead to data loss.
3. Choose the right graphics card
Get the appropriate graphics card for your laptop. Consider factors such as compatibility, dimensions, cooling system, and power supply of the new hardware. Double-check the manufacturer documentation on hardware upgrades so that you get the right option for your laptop. Study online reviews on upgrading laptop graphics cards for a better understanding of its pros and cons.
4. Get the necessary tools
Having the right tools for the upgrade is a must. It will help prevent damaging the delicate components inside the laptop. Hence, make sure that you have appropriate screwdrivers and thermal paste.
5. Look for a good workspace
Setting up a clean and static-free environment for upgrading your laptop graphics card is important. It will help minimize the risks of damaging the components because of dust contamination or static discharge.
Following the above-mentioned steps will ensure that you have a successful graphics card upgrade. In short, it will be a risk-free process. If you are less confident about making the upgrade on your own, consult an expert.
Challenges associated with upgrading laptop graphics card
Upgrading a laptop graphics card involves taking risks while working on complex setups. This is why it is not recommended for normal people. Below listed are some of the common challenges that you may face during the process.
1. Lack of knowledge
Upgrading a laptop GPU is challenging and it consumes a lot of time. Also, it requires a bit of experience and technical knowledge to avoid potential risks. A person with limited knowledge about the subject may result in a disaster.
2. Warranty voids
Certain types of modifications can void the warranty that the laptop has. Without any kind of warranty, you will have to pay for the damages and repairs following an unsuccessful laptop GPU upgrade.
3. Chance of fire hazard
When you are using an incompatible graphics card or the installation was not done properly, there could be consequences. Your laptop will overheat frequently. Also, there is a chance of a fire hazard in rare situations.
4. Damage beyond repair
Your laptop could experience damage beyond repair if the process of GPU upgrade is not done the right way. The damages include overheating, short circuits, and permanent component failure.
Safety measures to consider after upgrading laptop graphics card
Following a successful laptop graphics card upgrade, take precautions to keep the new hardware in good shape. Make sure that the cooling system of the laptop is functioning well. Remember that the graphics card will generate heat.
Therefore, keep an eye on the temperature of the GPU, especially when you are editing or playing games. Monitor the temperature and take the correct measures to prevent overheating. If you notice that the laptop temperature is high for some time, consider turning it down.
Apart from that, keep the laptop graphics driver updated to achieve optimal performance. Clean the vents and fans of the laptop whenever possible to keep them free from dust. This will ensure proper airflow.
External Graphics Card: An Alternative to Upgrading Laptop Graphics Card
If a graphics card upgrade is not possible or you do not want to damage the laptop, there is an alternative. A good option is to use an external graphics card. Also called an eGPU, it uses Thunderbolt to connect to the laptop.
An external GPU gives a significant boost to the laptop’s graphics performance without risks associated with upgrading the internal graphics card. Thunderbolt is the latest connectivity solution that adopts USB Type-C. Thunderbolt combines DisplayPort, PCIe, and DC power in a single interface.
However, not every Type-C port has Thunderbolt connectivity. The Type-C ports with a ‘Lightning Bolt’ symbol will have special connectivity. Thunderbolt ports allow data transfers at amazing speeds of up to 40Gbps. As such, it supports eGPU solutions for laptops.
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Besides, manufacturers have designed specialized enclosures that house graphics cards made for desktop PCs. The enclosure allows you to place your favorite GPU in it while facilitating graphics capabilities to your laptop.
External GPUs offer users a convenient option for upgrading their laptop graphics cards. But the overall cost of the solution is quite high. You have to invest in a desktop PC graphics card along with an enclosure that comes with a Thunderbolt feature. So, it is wise to consider the cost before opting for an eGPU solution.
Is it worth upgrading a laptop graphics card?
Whether or not upgrading a laptop graphics card is beneficial, the answer lies with you. In general, making this risky upgrade depends on the user. But if you ask me, I would be happy to give my thoughts on it.
If your laptop gives you the liberty to upgrade the graphics card, take advantage of the extra power. However, these upgrades could cost you a lot of money depending on the type of laptop. Sometimes, the cost could be over 80,000 INR for high-end GPUs.
In my opinion, it is not worth the investment. Instead of spending on a new GPU while acknowledging the associated risks, buy a laptop with the latest specs. You can buy a notebook with a Thunderbolt port.
It will allow you to use an external GPU. These might be expensive but worth it when compared to a GPU upgrade kit.
Whatever option you choose, make sure that the modification is worth your investment. Also, the upgrade should give you peace of mind rather than worrying about the changes in the laptop.
Upgrading a laptop graphics card is not an easy process and might not give you the expected results. I hope this post helped you understand GPU upgrades that you should know.
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